Did you know elephant ear pastries are a top fair food treat? They get a 4.50 out of 8 vote for the recipe. Now, you can make this carnival classic at home in just 30 minutes. Enjoy the crispy, golden, cinnamon-sugar goodness without going to the fair.
Elephant ear pastry is a tasty fried dough dessert loved at county fairs, carnivals, and festivals. This easy recipe lets you make these fair food favorites at home. You’ll need simple ingredients like milk, sugar, yeast, butter, cinnamon, and flour.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Elephant ear pastries are a classic fair food treat that can be made at home in just 30 minutes.
- The recipe uses basic pantry ingredients like milk, sugar, yeast, butter, cinnamon, and flour.
- Each serving of the homemade elephant ear pastry contains 265 calories, 6g fat, 3g saturated fat, 15mg cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 47g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 11g sugar, and 6g protein.
- Elephant ear pastries stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- The dough needs to sit for 1 hour until doubled in size before frying, and each disk of pastry is fried for 3-4 minutes, flipping every 30-45 seconds.
The History and Origins of Elephant Ear Pastries
Elephant ears are a favorite at carnivals and state fairs. They got their name because they look like an elephant’s ears. These treats were once a hit at fairs, enjoyed by many.
Why They’re Called Elephant Ears
The name “elephant ear” comes from their shape and size. The dough is stretched and fried into a large, flat shape. This makes them look like an elephant’s ears, making them a carnival favorite.
From Fair Food to Home Kitchen Classic
Elephant ears have become more than just fair food. They are now a favorite dessert to make at home. Unlike the French palmier, they have a softer, fried texture. This makes them a treat to enjoy all year, not just at carnivals.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 ½ cups |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose Flour | 4 cups |
“Elephant ears are a highly popular fair food, consistently ranking at or near the top of ‘top ten fair foods’ lists.”
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Elephant Ear Pastry Recipe
Making delicious sweet fried dough elephant ear pastries is easy. You just need basic ingredients. These ingredients come together to make the dough flaky and the flavor rich. This is why these powdered sugar pastries are so loved.
Basic Pantry Ingredients Required
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: 6 tbsp out of the total ingredients
- Instant yeast: The perfect leavening agent for light, airy dough
- Unsalted butter: 20 g softened, for a tender, flaky interior
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp, for the signature warm, spiced flavor
- Kosher salt: A pinch, to balance the sweetness
- Whole milk: The liquid binding agent
- Vegetable oil: For frying the sweet fried dough to golden-brown perfection
Optional Toppings and Variations
The basic recipe is already great, but you can make it even better. Try dusting with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Or, add nutmeg or cardamom for a new taste. For a savory option, sprinkle Parmesan cheese or use pesto instead of cinnamon.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 6 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 20 g |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Whole milk | As needed |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
“The simplicity of the ingredients allows for easy customization to suit various tastes.”
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make delightful easy pastry snacks like elephant ear pastries or deep-fried desserts, you’ll need some basic tools. First, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for the dough. Measuring cups and spoons are key for getting the ingredients right.
A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the dough to the right thickness. For the elephant ear shape, a deep-frying pan or pot is necessary. An instant-read thermometer helps keep the frying temperature just right. A slotted spoon or spider makes it easy to remove the pastries from the oil.
Optional tools can make things easier. A kitchen scale helps with precise measurements. Parchment paper or a Silpat baking mat prevent the dough from sticking. With these tools, you’ll be ready to make tasty easy pastry snacks and deep-fried desserts quickly!
Step-by-Step Dough Preparation Process
Making the perfect crispy fried dough for your homemade elephant ear pastries is easy. Begin by mixing yeast with warm milk and sugar. This lets the yeast activate and become foamy. Next, add softened butter, cinnamon, and a bit of salt, mixing well.
Slowly add all-purpose flour, a bit at a time, until the dough feels tacky. This is the first step towards a delicious treat.
Mixing and Kneading Techniques
Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand for about 5 minutes. Add flour as needed to keep the dough tacky but not too sticky. Once it’s right, put it in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for an hour. It should double in size.
Proper Dough Consistency Tips
- The dough should be slightly tacky to the touch, but not cling excessively to your hands.
- Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in a dry, tough dough that won’t fry up crispy and light.
- If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle in a tablespoon or two of additional flour during the kneading process.
After rising, split the dough into equal parts. Roll each into a 7-inch round. Now, they’re ready to be fried to golden, crispy perfection. Follow these steps for a batch of fried dough desserts that will impress everyone.
Frying Instructions and Temperature Control
To make the perfect deep-fried delicacies for your carnival cuisine event, you need to control the temperature well. Start by heating 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is key for great frying results. If it’s too low, the pastries might soak up too much oil. If it’s too high, they could burn.
Slowly drop one dough disk into the hot oil, frying for 3-4 minutes. Flip every 30-45 seconds to cook evenly on all sides. Keep the oil temperature steady by adjusting the heat as you go. This careful attention will give you deep-fried delicacies that are golden and crispy.
After they’re perfectly fried, use a slotted spoon to take them out of the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate or rack. This step helps the excess oil drain off, leaving you with delicious carnival cuisine ready for the next step.
Remember, frying at the right temperature is crucial for the perfect crispiness and flakiness in your deep-fried delicacies. Be careful and adjust the heat as needed. This way, your carnival cuisine will turn out just as you dreamed.
Creating the Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Make your homemade elephant ear pastries even better with a cinnamon sugar coating. This topping adds a sweet and aromatic touch. It turns these flaky treats into must-have sugary snacks. Let’s find the best way to get that perfect cinnamon sugar finish.
Sugar-to-Cinnamon Ratio Guide
For the best cinnamon sugar mix, use 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This mix balances sugar’s sweetness with cinnamon’s warm spice. You can tweak the mix to taste – add more cinnamon for a stronger flavor or sugar for sweetness.
Coating Application Methods
- Dip Method: Dip the warm, freshly fried elephant ear pastries directly into the cinnamon sugar mixture, gently coating all sides.
- Sprinkling: Alternatively, you can sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the top of the pastries, using your hands to gently press the coating onto the surface.
Choose your method, but make sure to shake off extra sugar. This prevents the pastry from getting too sweet or soggy. Try adding nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. Or, use powdered sugar for a different feel.
The perfect cinnamon sugar coating makes these pastries irresistible. With the right mix and technique, you’ll get that sweet and spicy finish everyone loves.
Storage Tips and Reheating Methods
Enjoy the tasty easy county fair snacks and fried dough treats of homemade elephant ear pastries. Learn how to store and reheat them properly. These simple tips will help you enjoy these treats long after they’re made.
To store leftover elephant ear pastries, put them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Don’t refrigerate them, as it can make them soggy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes. This will make them crispy again.
For the best taste, eat the elephant ear pastries while they’re warm and crispy. The flaky, golden outside and soft inside are perfect when enjoyed fresh from the fryer.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Airtight Container at Room Temperature | Up to 3 Days |
| Freezer | Not Recommended |
| Refrigerator | Not Recommended |
By following these easy storage and reheating tips, your homemade elephant ear pastries will stay delicious. You can enjoy the taste of the county fair in your own kitchen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Making the perfect elephant ear pastries can be tricky. But, with a bit of troubleshooting, you can fix any problem. This way, you’ll get delicious, perfect results every time.
Fixing Dough Problems
One common issue is dough that’s too sticky or too dry. To solve this, add a little flour or liquid as needed. Mix well until the dough feels just right.
If your dough isn’t rising, check your yeast. Make sure it’s fresh and the milk is warm but not too hot. This helps the yeast work its magic.
Adjusting Frying Temperature
Frying elephant ear pastries needs careful temperature control. If they brown too fast, lower the oil temperature. If they soak up too much oil, raise it a bit.
Watch the first few pastries closely. Adjust the temperature as needed. This will help you get a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.
| Common Issue | Possible Causes | Troubleshooting Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky or dry dough | – Incorrect flour-to-liquid ratio – Improper kneading | – Add small amounts of flour or liquid to adjust consistency – Knead the dough thoroughly until smooth and elastic |
| Dough not rising | – Expired or inactive yeast – Milk temperature too hot or cold | – Use fresh, active yeast – Ensure milk is warm, but not too hot, for optimal yeast activation |
| Pastries browning too quickly | – Oil temperature too high | – Lower the oil temperature slightly |
| Pastries absorbing too much oil | – Oil temperature too low | – Increase the oil temperature |
Getting perfect elephant ear pastries takes patience and a bit of trial and error. By troubleshooting and adjusting as needed, you’ll soon master this French-inspired treat.
Conclusion
Homemade elephant ears bring the joy of state fair food right to your kitchen. Their crispy outside and sweet, cinnamon-filled inside make them a treat. These puff pastry treats are a taste of nostalgia.
With just 30 minutes, you can make these carnival-inspired pastries. They’re perfect for satisfying a fair food craving or impressing guests with a quick dessert. These elephant ears are sure to please everyone.
Try adding your own toppings and twists to the recipe. With a bit of creativity and love for baking, you can enjoy the festive flavors of the state fair at home. One delicious elephant ear at a time.
F.A.Q
What are elephant ear pastries?
Elephant ear pastries are a flaky, fried treat. They are golden and covered in cinnamon and sugar. They’re a favorite at fairs and easy to make at home.
How long does it take to make elephant ear pastries?
You can make these pastries in just 30 minutes. From start to finish, it’s quick.
What are the main ingredients for elephant ear pastries?
You’ll need milk, sugar, yeast, butter, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Vegetable oil is used for frying.
What kitchen tools are needed to make elephant ear pastries?
You’ll need a large bowl, measuring tools, a rolling pin, a deep pan, a thermometer, and a slotted spoon.
How do you properly prepare the dough for elephant ear pastries?
Start by blooming yeast in warm milk and sugar. Then add butter, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in flour until it’s tacky.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes, adding flour if needed. Let it rise for 1 hour until it doubles in size.
What’s the best way to fry the elephant ear pastries?
Heat oil to 265°F (130°C) in a deep pan. Fry one disk at a time for 3-4 minutes. Flip every 30-45 seconds for even cooking.
How do you create the perfect cinnamon sugar coating?
Mix 1/2 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Dip warm pastries in the mixture or sprinkle it on. Gently tap off excess sugar.
How should elephant ear pastries be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
What are some common issues that can arise when making elephant ear pastries?
Issues include sticky or dry dough, rising problems, and frying temperature issues. Adjust ingredients or frying to get perfect results.
